Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Harahan

"Most tourists recognize the St. Louis Cathedral's triple spires as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade against a clear blue sky, from across picturesque Jackson Square. Relatively few, though, have stepped inside the Cathedral – the oldest continuously active one in the US – to view its surprising interior; the stained glass windows depicting the saintly life of France's King Louis IX, the glorious murals and statuary beckoning the visitor back nearly 300 years to its founding."

"Beautiful structure filled with the spirit and preservation of God. This is the oldest active Cathedral in the United States. Basilica St. Louis of France… read more »"

"Jackson Square is pretty famous in New Orleans, Louisiana, and tourists gravitate towards it like nobody’s business in their quest for what to do for fun while visiting. Once upon a time, Jackson Square was a ground for military parades back in the 1720s, somewhat similar to Paris’ Place des Vosges. In 1815, once the Battle of New Orleans drew to a close, the area was renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson."

"There are lots of places in New Orleans where you can partake in fun activities with your family, and one of them is Jackson Square. The area has got lots of residential and commercial properties, and is named after Andrew Jackson, whose statue was erected here in 1856. Jackson Square has also been featured numerous times in television shows and network broadcasts as well."

"You might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned the iconic French Quarter jazz venue, Preservation Hall. It’s absolutely possible to see a show here (40ish minutes) and then head to Frenchmen Street. Depending on the night of the week, prepare to wait in line for up to an hour and remember with no food, drink (BYOB), or AC and the likelihood of standing during the performance, this venue isn’t right for everyone."

"Walk down St. Peters Street on any evening and you’ll likely encounter the line for Preservation Hall. With shows starting at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm almost every night of the year, this iconic music venue has been promoting Jazz in the Crescent City for over 50 years. The cost to enter is usually $20 (cash only), the venue is tiny, and the music is acoustic."

"If you're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is it. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, there's no food and beverage service—with some shows starting as early as 6 p.m. Pro tip: Queue early and grab one of the benches; seating is first-come, first-served."

"Though it was named after him and offered to him as a place of refuge after his exile from France, Napoleon never made it here. Still, this 200-plus-year-old landmark carries on with his name, serving thousands of Pimm’s Cups and muffulettas to locals and tourists alike. Grab a seat in the courtyard and keep an eye out for the ghosts that are said to haunt the place."

"Named for the famous Frenchman intended to live there after his exile from France, Napoleon House is a 200+ year old historical landmark. The speakers play classical music and there’s a lovely courtyard. Order a Pimm’s Cup and a muffuletta, served warm."

"A muffuletta includes ham, Genoa salami, pastrami, Swiss and provolone cheeses and house-made olive salad on a seeded loaf and is served warm."

"Features an impressive collection of original paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by some of history’s most revered artists. Representing over five centuries of fine art, we specialize in original works from the old masters to the modern masters, as well as a select group of renowned contemporary artists."

"If you have younger children, a couple of hours at Storyland (also located in City Park) would be a worthy investment of your time. Storyland is a child’s dream come true and a fairytale come to life. The imaginative outdoor spot is filled with 20 larger-than-life colorful sculptures and playscapes in the shape of storybook characters."

"Just like LCM and Cafe Du Monde, Storyland is located in New Orleans City Park. Within the walls of Storyland, your children’s favorite storybook characters come to life!. There are over 25 larger than life exhibits waiting to be climbed on, explored, and played on."

"Filled with 25 larger-than-life sculptures modeled after storybook characters, this unique playground boasts a dragon slide, Captain Hook's pirate ship, and the whale from Pinocchio. A post shared by nataliekcochran (@nataliekcochran) on Mar 13, 2018 at 7:11pm PDT"

"It doesn’t take long to notice that New Orleans has a love affair with hats. Nothing compliments a suit and bowtie better than a hat from Meyer’s. Family owned since 1894, this world-class hat shop is the very best."

"For train aficionados, visiting the New Orleans Train Garden is one of the best activities to while away your time in Louisiana. Right in the center of City Park, the garden is as whimsical and charming as it is evocative of history. It is a historic location, with track running nearly a quarter of a mile as a group of scaled-down freight trains and streetcars runs through it, reminiscent of the very same they did indeed run a hundred or so years ago."

"Tucked away in a verdant corner of City Park’s Botanical Garden, the New Orleans Historic Train Garden features replicas of streetcars and trains that wind around 1,300 feet of track. It’s an informative look at New Orleans’ history—all in miniature!. While the Train Garden is open during Botanical Garden hours, the trains only operate on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Don't miss a meal at this Treme Creole gem on leafy Esplanade Avenue, where chef-owner Wayne Baquet and his friendly team serve belly-filling breakfasts and flavorful soul food in a down-home setting. Specializing in authentic cuisine made with regional ingredients, this intimate eatery's bottomless buffets are exceedingly popular with locals, so come early and bring a hearty appetite. The Sunday brunch includes made to order omelets with bacon and sausage, biscuits, red beans and rice, file gumbo, ribs, and an endless supply of some of the best fried chicken in town."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. On a lazy Sunday when you wake up feeling hungry that you need to please your stomach right away, you should find your way to Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe to indulge in a sumptuous brunch buffet, because it is the only time the restaurant serves its delicious brunch. The restaurant’s Sunday brunch menu includes specials such as shrimp grillade and seafood omelet poboy and all you can eat."

"New Orleans's famous Baquet family oversees this laid-back establishment and its brunch buffet, which serves as a primer in Creole cuisine. It's a no-nonsense operation here; don't expect complicated cocktails or six versions of avocado toast. You’re here for the variety of local specialities on offer, not to see and be seen."

"A post shared by Ivy Menard (@missivygirl) on Apr 15, 2016 at 7:16pm PDT. Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar boasts a wonderful menu of Lousiana classic plates and Creole-inspired dishes. That doesn’t mean the establishment forgets about its younger patrons."

"4338 St. Charles Ave., (504) 293-3474; www.superiorseafoodnola.com. Grilled redfish Creole is served with corn maque choux, braised greens and Crystal beurre blanc. Reservations accepted."

"Bakers Dozen serves some of the best donuts in New Orleans, from the traditional classics to more creative creations such as a salty caramel pretzel donut. Everything here is bursting with flavour and some of the finest, most inventive ingredients around. Apple fritters and honeybuns are particularly delicious here, but you should definitely sample one of their seasonal specialty donuts while you’re at it, too."

"You have to get here early to get your fix, since they’re only open until 11 am (and closed Mondays and Tuesdays), but this straightforward spot is a favorite of local epicures and chefs for a reason. They make great basics, like the glazed twist, and do them brilliantly. But they also have a little more fun with themed specials, like during Carnival season when they make a mind-blowing donut king cake."

"Baker's Dozen in Jefferson has set itself apart with creatively themed doughnuts — munch on your favorite super hero for $1.50 — as well as delicious combinations like its sweet and salty caramel pretzel doughnut (pictured). All up, a nice neighborhood spot with lots of regulars."

"The team at Warehouse District food hall Auction House has an on-trend new cocktail menu for summer, offering a Kalimotxo that marries the traditional Basque punch and a Whiskey Sour; a Barcelona style G&T with gin, El Guapo tonic, thyme, clove, house tincture, and grapefruit; and the cloudy Pau Hana, made with rum, manzanilla sherry, lime, banana and pimento dram. The bright, plant-filled space makes for a nice setting to sip drinks, and there’s are new happy hour specials weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m."

"Warehouse DistrictThe various food halls springing up all over town bring small vendors to a receptive clientele with lower overhead costs than a regular restaurant, giving more niche ideas -- like vegan and vegetarian food -- the opportunity to set up shop. Stop in at the Auction House Market on the corner of Julia and Magazine to get a masala dosa at Tava Indian Streetfood, jackfruit BBQ toast from Happy Jaxx, and a vegan macaron or milkshake from Mac & Moon Macarons."